Obsolescence
/ˌɒb.səˈles.əns/noun
The process of becoming outdated or no longer useful.
Did you know?Obsolescence ultimately traces to Latin solēre, “to be accustomed,” suggesting that what becomes obsolete is what people gradually stop using or expecting.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*s(w)el-
“To become accustomed or be familiar with; the reconstructed root behind Latin solēre.”
Classical Latin
Latin
solēre
“To be accustomed, be wont to, or habitually do.”
Classical Latin
Latin
obsolēscere
“To grow old, fall into disuse, or become outdated; formed with ob- and an inchoative form of solēre.”
Late Latin
Latin
obsolēscentia
“The process or condition of becoming obsolete.”
18th Century
English
obsolescence
“The state of becoming obsolete or falling out of use.”
Modern English
English
obsolescence
“The process by which something becomes outdated, superseded, or no longer useful.”
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